Why the Broncos are behind Kansas City in the AFC West standings

NFL teams likely will be chasing the Broncos all season (like the Giants chased Trindon Holliday). But for now, the Broncos are looking up in the standings. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

Forget for a second the ridiculousness of talking about this after just two weeks. But since we’ve fielded several questions about this today, here’s why the Broncos are not atop the AFC West in the NFL standings[1].

In fact, here’s why the Broncos are the sixth-best team in the AFC standings…

Despite their 2-0 record and complete dismantling of their opponents, the Broncos rank 21st in the NFL in points allowed. Of course, Denver is giving up points because Peyton Manning’s offense is scoring so quickly and frequently. The Broncos rank first, by far, in points scored. Their 90 points are well ahead of No. 2 Green Bay with 66.

But between a 21st ranking in points allowed and ranking first in points scored, the Broncos’ combined ranking is 22nd.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, rank 16th in points scored and third in points allowed. Their combined ranking is 19th.

And that — “best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed” — is the official seventh tiebreaker on the NFL’s list of 12 criteria for breaking a tie[2] within a division between two teams. Denver and K.C. are either tied in the first six criteria, or those points are not applicable.